Introduction
Historical construction is a unique and deeply enriching undertaking. Preserving historical integrity while respecting modern building standards, however, is also a delicate balance.
That’s why, in this comprehensive guide to historical construction, we’ll cover what you need to know to strike that balance and produce a successful project, from understanding cultural and architectural value to conducting responsible research and recreating period-specific materials and construction methods.
Understanding Historical Construction
The Significance of Historical Construction
At first glance, it’s easy to appreciate the cultural and architectural value of historical construction. Seeing a revitalized building in today’s modern age that preserves important cultural reminders often raises curiosity and interest.
From an economic perspective, historical construction boosts tourism by drawing renewed attention and creating fresh demand for education, potentially generating new jobs that educate and provide for tourists in the process.
Key Elements of Historical Buildings
Certain materials, craftsmanship, and distinctive shapes often give historical buildings strong identities. Exterior and interior ornamentation can also indicate a period’s popular aesthetics.
It’s also important to understand that, while wood, brick, stone, and metal were commonly used throughout many historical periods to build, dangerous materials like mercury, lead, and asbestos were also just as common.
This places safety considerations for both construction workers and future occupants at the forefront of any historical building project.
Planning and Documentation
Initial Planning for Historical Restoration
Thorough research and planning set the foundation for successful historical restorations. Thoroughly inspecting the site’s current condition and identifying what will be necessary to upgrade any deficiencies to meet modern standards is crucial.
Gathering historical documentation and records is also central to solid research and planning. This ensures the past is realized in the best and safest ways.
Contractors must work closely with historic preservation boards, a rich resource for period-related paperwork and other information.
Documentation and Permits for Historical Projects
Historical construction projects often demand specific permits and legal considerations so that the finished product complies with modern construction codes.
Documenting the existing building conditions to create legacy resources and reveal potential risks is crucial before proceeding.
Contractors can then move forward by obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and other necessary paperwork.
Preservation Techniques
Best Practices in Historical Preservation
Structural integrity in historical buildings is primarily achieved with thorough inspections before, during, and after construction, followed by ongoing maintenance.
New features may need to be added for structural support or aesthetic benefit while maintaining period authenticity.
Preserving original materials is possible by relocating materials from one site location to another, such as from an unseen basement up into a main room. The basement’s materials could then be integrated with similar materials from the modern era that are rendered in period-specific style.
Restoration vs. Conservation
Restoration reverts a building back to how it used to look at a specific point in the past. This can involve adding or removing some of its current features. Conservation, instead, seeks to preserve the building in its current state while making any necessary improvements for code compliance.
Knowing which approach to select depends on the desired effect. A restored building revitalizes old structures to be enjoyed in a pristine and well-maintained state Conservation is more “warts and all” and usually doesn’t try to cosmetically improve a time-worn structure.
One perennial example of historical restoration is the Statue of Liberty, which, to date, has had two major renovations alongside regular cleaning and maintenance.
Another famed example of historical conservation is Independence Hall in Philadelphia, which still retains its original character.
Project Management in Historical Construction
Challenges in Managing Historical Construction Projects
Historical projects face some unique challenges. For one, certain materials from the time period may be hard or even impossible to source today.
Some buildings may be so fragile that construction work poses a significant structural risk. Then, there’s the delicate balancing act of bringing older buildings up to code without compromising their historical identity.
Effective project management is essential to mitigate and overcome these challenges. A good project manager will maintain communications between all parties to ensure safety, compliance, and authenticity are top priorities.
Collaboration With Experts
The importance of involving historians, architects, and conservators cannot be overstated in historical construction projects.
These important professionals can clarify and confirm every facet of a historical building’s identity, including period-specific design, cultural significance, and more.
They can serve as invaluable allies of the multidisciplinary, full-service construction teams that are key to successful historical construction projects.
Specialized Techniques and Materials
Traditional Construction Techniques
Recreating historical construction methods depends heavily on sourcing authentic materials and integrating those into the structure in a period-specific way.
This requires skilled craftworkers who know how to use those materials and how to duplicate the structural and decorative styles of that time.
Modern Solutions for Historical Preservation
Integrating modern technology without compromising integrity is mission-critical. Thankfully, advances in preservation science like smart building technology (SBT) are making historical construction more efficient and effective than ever.
For example, SBT’s combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) allows faster, deeper data gathering and improved team communication.
This can be used to study the building as-is while making more accurate projections of potential construction outcomes .
Sensor technology and remote monitoring both help construction companies and site owners to more effectively maintain buildings in the present while providing data for predictive maintenance in the future.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Developing a Maintenance Plan for Historical Buildings
Regular inspections and upkeep are crucial to maintaining historical buildings after construction is completed. These older structures are generally more prone to decay, while any modern elements added to the framework must be closely monitored to ensure adequate performance.
Conservation considers certain aspects of degradation as historical worth and central to the structure’s identity as a relic. Making too many cosmetic changes could decrease the emotional impact of such wear and tear and reduce the building’s charm. Such situations are likely to require maintenance plans of even greater depth.
Sustainable Practices in Historical Preservation
Balancing sustainability with historical accuracy is vital and requires subtle integration of today’s green solutions.
Some elements, such as windows, insulation, and furnaces, may be more easily replaced with modern, eco-friendly versions. The best improvements tend to be the least visible.
Funding and Grants
Funding Sources for Historical Construction Projects
Grants and financial aid are sometimes available for historical construction. For example, the Historic Preservation Fund offers a diverse range of funding for historical projects of many kinds, with several options tailored specifically to the heritage of certain racial and ethnic groups in American history.
Fundraising and sponsorship are two other potential financial avenues. The success of each depends on effectively communicating the wider potential value of historical construction (beyond the architectural and visual benefits) to the public and business communities.
Applying for Historical Preservation Grants
Your chances of a successful application for historical construction funds may increase by taking the following steps:
- Being eligible under the conditions of the grant;
- Being aware of the application submission times;
- Having all necessary project documentation duplicated and ready to submit;
- Attending every review meeting; and
- Agreeing to send progress reports on your project as required by the funding body.
Examples of grant-supported projects are the African American Civil Rights Grant, semi-quincentennial grants, and disaster recovery grants.
Conclusion
Historical construction and preservation benefit the past, the present, and the future by preserving old buildings, generating new interest and jobs, and gifting generations to come with special relics of time.
RPC General Contractors has its own proud history as a second-generation company. We appreciate the blend of professional skill and passionate care that goes into giving historical buildings a new lease on life while simultaneously respecting their unique character.
Contact us today for more information or an expert consultation. We’d love to help you keep the past alive!
